Apparatus and method for delayed synchronous data reception

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is provided that compensates for misalignment on a synchronous data bus. The apparatus includes a resistor network and a delay-locked loop (DLL). The resistor network is configured to provide a ratio signal that indicates an amount to delay a data bit signal associated with a data group. The DLL is coupled to the ratio signal, and is configured generate a delayed data bit signal, where the DLL adds the amount of delay to the data bit signal to generate the delayed data bit signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following co-pending U.S. PatentApplications, each of which has a common assignee and common inventors.

SERIAL FILING NUMBER DATE TITLE        Jun. 21, 2011 APPARATUS ANDMETHOD FOR (CNTR.2321) ADVANCED SYNCHRONOUS STROBE TRANSMISSION       Jun. 21, 2011 OPTIMIZED SYNCHRONOUS (CNTR.2538) STROBE TRANSMISSIONMECHANISM        Jun. 21, 2011 OPTIMIZED SYNCHRONOUS DATA (CNTR.2543)RECEPTION MECHANISM        Jun. 21, 2011 PROGRAMMABLE MECHANISM(CNTR.2544) FOR SYNCHRONOUS STROBE ADVANCE        Jun. 21, 2011PROGRAMMABLE MECHANISM (CNTR.2566) FOR DELAYED SYNCHRONOUS DATARECEPTION        Jun. 21, 2011 PROGRAMMABLE MECHANISM (CNTR.2567) FOROPTIMIZING A SYNCHRONOUS DATA BUS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates in general to the field of microelectronics, andmore particularly to an apparatus and method for synchronizing andclocks and data related to the transmission and reception of sourcesynchronous signals.

2. Description of the Related Art

A present day computer system employs a source synchronous system bus toprovide for exchange of data between bus agents, such as between amicroprocessor and a memory hub. A “source synchronous” bus protocolallows for the transfer of data at very high bus speeds. Sourcesynchronous protocols operate on the principle that a transmitting busagent places data out on the bus for a fixed time period and asserts orswitches a “strobe” signal corresponding to the data to indicate to areceiving bus agent that the data is valid. Both data signals and theircorresponding strobe are routed over the bus along equal propagationpaths, thus enabling a receiver to be relatively certain that whenswitching of the corresponding strobe is detected, data is valid on thedata signals.

But data strobes and data signals are subject to error for a number ofreasons. One source of error is inaccuracies of associated clockgeneration circuits, typically phase locked loops, that are employed togate the data signals onto the bus and to switch the strobes to indicatethat the data is valid. These inaccuracies may be the result of designmargins, fabrication tolerances, or environmental factors. In an optimumcase, it is desired that a strobe signal switch precisely halfwaythrough a data validity period so that there is equal set up and holdtime for the data as seen at the receiver. And inaccuracies in theassociated clock generation circuits may result in skewing of the datasignals and/or their strobes such that reception conditions are notoptimum.

Another source of error caused by distribution of a strobe signal withina receiving device. While system designers go to great lengths to ensurethat a strobe and its associated data signals are routed along the samepropagation path on a system board (i.e., motherboard), it is well knownthat once the strobe enters the receiving device, it must be distributedto all of the internal synchronous receivers that are associated withthat strobe. In some devices, the additional propagation lengths thatare required to route the strobe to various receivers may add delay overthat of the data signals, thereby skewing the phase of the synchronoustransmission.

Therefore, what is needed are apparatus and methods that compensate formisalignment of signals on a synchronous data bus.

What is also needed is a technique that allows the signals on asynchronous bus to be optimized for reception by modifying the phasealignment of a data strobe and its corresponding data signals.

What is furthermore needed is a mechanism that allows the phasealignment of a data strobe and its associated data signals to bemodified at the motherboard level.

What is moreover needed is an apparatus that is programmable at themotherboard level to align synchronous bus signals for optimum receptionconditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, among other applications, is directed to solvingthe above-noted problems and addresses other problems, disadvantages,and limitations of the prior art. In addition, the present inventionprovides a superior technique for optimizing the transmission andreception of source synchronous signals in disparate devices such asmicroprocessors and their support devices. In one embodiment, anapparatus is provided that compensates for misalignment on a synchronousdata bus. The apparatus includes a resistor network and a delay-lockedloop (DLL). The resistor network is configured to provide a ratio signalthat indicates an amount to delay a data bit signal associated with adata group. The DLL is coupled to the ratio signal, and is configuredgenerate a delayed data bit signal, where the DLL adds the amount ofdelay to the data bit signal to generate the delayed data bit signal.

One aspect of the present invention contemplates an apparatus thatcompensates for misalignment on a synchronous data bus. The apparatusincludes a resistor network and a microprocessor. The resistor networkis configured to provide a ratio signal that indicates an amount todelay a data bit signal associated with a data group. The microprocessorhas a DLL that is coupled to the ratio signal, and that is configuredgenerate a delayed data bit signal, where the DLL adds the amount ofdelay to the data bit signal to generate the delayed data bit signal.

Another aspect of the present invention comprehends a method forcompensating for misalignment on a synchronous data bus. The methodincludes employing a resistor network to provide a ratio signal thatindicates an amount to delay a data bit signal associated with a datagroup; and coupling a delay-locked loop (DLL) to the ratio signal, andconfiguring the DLL generate a delayed data bit signal, where the DLLadds the amount of delay to the data bit signal to generate the delayeddata bit signal.

Regarding industrial applicability, the present invention is implementedwithin a MICROPROCESSOR which may be used in a general purpose orspecial purpose computing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a present day system whereinsource synchronous data is transmitted and received;

FIG. 2 is a timing diagram depicting two source synchronous signalingscenarios that may occur in the present day system of FIG. 1: onescenario in which a data strobe in a receiving device is insynchronization with associated data, and a second scenario in which thedata strobe and the associated data are unsynchronized.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram featuring an apparatus for advancedsynchronous strobe transmission according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a radial synchronous strobedistribution mechanism according to the present invention, such as mightbe employed in conjunction with the apparatus of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for delayedsynchronous data reception according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram detailing a delay-locked loop according to thepresent invention, such as might be employed in the apparatus of FIGS. 3and 5; and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a programmable device for optimizedsynchronous signaling according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skillin the art to make and use the present invention as provided within thecontext of a particular application and its requirements. Variousmodifications to the preferred embodiment will, however, be apparent toone skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may beapplied to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the particular embodiments shown and describedherein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with theprinciples and novel features herein disclosed.

In view of the above background discussion on source synchronoussignaling and associated techniques employed within present day devicesfor the transmission and reception of data, a discussion of thedisadvantages and limitations of the present day techniques be discussedwith reference to FIGS. 1-2. Following this, a discussion of the presentinvention will be presented with reference to FIGS. 3-7. The presentinvention overcomes these limitations and disadvantages by providingmechanisms that allow for the delay and advance of both data strobes andassociated data bits in coupled devices thereby providing a technique tocorrect for strobe and data misalignment caused by any of a number ofreasons, thus enabling throughput to be optimized between the coupleddevices.

Turning to FIG. 1, is a block diagram is presented illustrating apresent day system 100 wherein source synchronous data is transmittedand received. The system 100 includes a transmitting device 110 (DEVICEA) that is coupled to a receiving device 120 (DEVICE B) via a sourcesynchronous bus 130 comprising a data strobe DSTROBE and a plurality ofdata bits DATA1-DATAN associated therewith. The system 100 also includesa bus clock generator 102 that is coupled to DEVICE A 110 via a busclock signal BCLK. The devices 110, 120 and the bus clock generator 102are typically disposed on a conventional motherboard (not shown) orsubstantially similar interconnection mechanism where DATA1-DATAN,DSTROBE, and BCLK are embodied as traces interconnecting the two devices110, 120. DSTROBE enters DEVICE B 120 at point 13S, and the data bitsDATA1-DATAN enter DEVICE B 120 at points 132-13N. In a typical sourcesynchronous configuration, the physical lengths of the traces for agroup of data bits DATA1-DATAN and their associated data strobe DSTROBEare designed to be equivalent so that any the transmission line effectssuch as propagation delay that are experienced by DSTROBE are alsoexperienced by DATA1-DATAN, and it is a goal of the source synchronousdata system 100 for DSTROBE to switch states precisely halfway duringthe period that DATA1-DATAN are valid on the bus 130, thus providing themost favorable conditions for proper reception of transmitted data inDEVICE B 120.

DEVICE A 110 has a core clocks generator 111 that generates, among otherclock signals (not shown), a data strobe clock signal DSCLK, which iscoupled to a synchronous strobe driver 112, and a data clock signalDCLK, which is coupled to a plurality of synchronous data drivers 113.The synchronous strobe driver 112 generates DSTROBE in phase with DSCLKand the synchronous data drivers 113 generate data bits DATA1-DATAN inphase with DCLK. These clocks DSCLK, DCLK are derived from BCLK, thusallowing for overall synchronization of data transmission and receptionwith other devices (not shown) in the system 100. In a typicalembodiment, DCLK and DSCLK are frequency multiples of BCLK to allow forprecise alignment of DSTROBE within the period of validity of the databits DATA1-DATAN on the bus 130. Other configurations may employ asingle derived clock signal for both strobe types and trigger datatransmission on one edge of the derived clock signal and trigger astrobe on the other edge of the derived clock signal.

DEVICE B 120 has a corresponding plurality of synchronous receivers 122,each receiving one of the data bits DATA1-DATAN and all receiving thedata strobe DSTROBE. The synchronous receivers 122 each sample theirrespective one of the data bits DATA1-DATAN when DSTROBE is clocked(i.e., when DSTROBE changes state).

As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the system 100 of FIG. 1represents a simplified configuration of devices 110, 120 that typifieswhat may be found in any present day desktop or laptop computer, tabletcomputer, or any of a number of special purpose computing devices andinstruments. More specifically, the devices 110, 120 may be embodied asa central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor, a supporting chipsetor memory interface, a memory hub or controller, a direct memory accessunit, a graphics controller, and the like. Conventionally, these devices110, 120 are known as bus agents, and they are coupled to one anothervia a point-to-point source synchronous bus 130, as is exemplified bythe bus 130 of FIG. 1.

In broad terms, to transfer data, one of the bus agents 110 will drive asubset of the signals DATA1-DATAN, DSTROBE on the bus 130 while anotherof the bus agents 120 detects and receives the driven signals, thuscapturing the data that is represented by the states of one or more ofthe subset of the signals DATA1-DATAN, DSTROBE on the bus 130. There area number of different bus protocols represented in the present day artfor transferring data between two bus agents, and it is beyond the scopeof this application to provide a detailed description of these varioustechniques. It is sufficient herein to appreciate that the “data” whichis communicated between two or more bus agents 110, 120 during a bustransaction may include, but is not limited to, address information,data that is associated with one or more addresses, control information,or status information. Regardless of the type of data that iscommunicated over the bus 130, it is noteworthy for this applicationthat most present day systems 100 are employing a particular type of busprotocol commonly known as “source synchronous” protocol, to effect thetransfer of data at very high bus speeds. In contrast to prior art busprotocols, source synchronous protocols operate on the principle that atransmitting bus agent 110 places data signals DATA1-DATAN within a datagroup out on the bus 130 for a fixed time period and asserts the datastrobe signal DSTROBE corresponding to the data bit signals DATA1-DATANto indicate to a receiving bus agent 120 that the data is valid. As isnoted above, it is a goal of these systems 100 that the strobe DSTROBEindicate validity of the data bits DATA1-DATAN at a time (typicallyhalfway during the period when the data DATA1-DATAN is valid) that isoptimum for reception of the data bits DATA1-DATAN by the receivingdevice 120.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the propagation path,including physical and electrical parameters, of one set of data bitsDATA1-DATAN and corresponding strobe signal DSTROBE, at very hightransfer speeds, may very well be quite different from the propagationpath that is associated with another set of signals (not shown) on thebus 130 between one of the two devices 110, 120 and perhaps anotherdevice (not shown), which is one of the advantages of thesepoint-to-point source synchronous protocols. That is, a particular setof data signals DATA1-DATAN and associated strobe signal DSTROBE onlycouple two devices 110, 120 together, thus precluding many of theproblems inherent to shared bus systems. In particular, propagationdelay, bus impedance, and electrical characteristics of the propagationpath affect the time at which the data signals DATA1-DATAN are stable,or “valid” for reception by the receiving bus agent 120. It is for thisreason that source synchronous bus protocols are gaining prevalence inthe market of fielded devices. In a typical configuration, the datastrobe DSTROBE that is associated with a corresponding set of datasignals DATA1-DATAN is routed along the same propagation path as the setof data signals DATA1-DATAN , and thus the strobe DSTROBE exhibits thesame propagation characteristics as the data signals DATA1-DATANthemselves. If the strobe DSTROBE is asserted during the period in whichthe data carried by the data signals DATA1-DATAN is valid, when thereceiving bus agent 120 detects a valid transition of the strobeDSTROBE, it is relatively certain that the data signals DATA1-DATAN willbe valid as well.

The above advantages notwithstanding, the present inventors haveobserved that there are other factors which can adversely affect theintegrity of a source synchronous interface, namely, the manner in whichthe data strobe DSTROBE is routed within a receiving device 120 after ithas entered the device 120 at point 13S. Note in the diagram that whilethe data signals DATA1-DATAN and the data strobe DSTROBE are routed fromDEVICE A 110 to DEVICE B 120 along approximately equivalent transmissionpaths, once the data strobe DSTROBE enters DEVICE B 120 at point 13S, itmust be routed within DEVICE B 120 to N different synchronous receivers122. And while an individual synchronous receiver 122 is optimallyplaced on a die layout to be very near where its corresponding data bitDATA1-DATAN enters the part 120, the same cannot be said for the datastrobe DSTROBE because it must be distributed to all receivers 122within a corresponding data group DATA1-DATAN. Hence, the presentinventors have observed that while perhaps one of the synchronousreceivers 122 will be placed such that the transmission paths of itsdata bit DATA1-DATAN and the data strobe DSTROBE from DEVICE A 110 tothe inputs of the receiver 122 will be approximately the same, therelative transmission paths of remaining data bits DATA1-DATAN will bedifferent from that of the data strobe DSTROBE as seen from inputs oftheir respective receivers 122. This is because the physical path thatDSTROBE must travel will be either longer or shorter than the physicalpaths of the remaining data bits DATA1-DATAN and will also includebuffering of DSTROBE for distribution. Consequently, it is likely thatswitching of the data strobe DSTROBE will occur earlier or later duringthe period of data validity for those remaining data bits DATA1-DATANthan is intended by DEVICE A. In fact, an extreme case contemplated bythis application is that routing of the data strobe DSTROBE withinDEVICE B 120, which cannot necessarily be controlled by the designers ofDEVICE A 110, would be such that the one or more of the transmissionpaths to its corresponding receiver 122 is configured so that when thedata strobe DSTROBE changes state to indicate that the data groupDATA1-DATAN is valid, it is entirely possible that one or more of thedata bits DATA1-DATAN corresponding to those one or more transmissionpaths will not be valid at the moment DSTROBE changes state.

In addition, because the clocks DSCLK, DCLK associated with transmissionof data DATA1-DATAN over the synchronous bus 130 are generated typicallyby analog circuits (e.g., phase locked loops) within the core clocksgenerator 111, it has also been noted by the present inventors thatjitter, duty-cycle, and inaccuracies due to design or fabrication withinthe generator 111 itself would be such that switching of the data strobeDSTROBE to indicate validity of the data group DATA1-DATAN is notoptimal for reception by all of the receivers 122 in DEVICE B 120, thusfurther exacerbating misalignment of the signals DSTROBE, DATA1-DATAN inthe receiving device 120. The problems associated with non-optimalswitching of the data strobe DSTROBE relative to one or more data bitsDATA1-DATAN as seen by a receiver 122 will now be discussed morespecifically with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a timing diagram 200 depicting two source synchronoussignaling scenarios 210, 220 that may occur in the present day system100 of FIG. 1: one scenario 210 in which a data strobe 212 in areceiving device is in synchronization with associated data 211, and asecond scenario in which the data strobe 222 and the associated data 221are unsynchronized. The relative phases of the strobes 212, 222 andcorresponding data 211, 221 may result from transmission pathdifferences due to routing, buffering, distribution delays, or clockgenerator inaccuracies as discussed above, or they may be caused byother inaccuracies or errors within either a transmitting device orreceiving device.

The diagram 200 depicts a bus clock signal BCLK 201, from which both adata clock signal DCLK 202 and a data strobe clock signal DSCLK 202 arederived. As noted with reference to FIG. 1, DCLK and DSCLK aredistributed in the transmitting device to synchronous data drivers anddata strobe drivers associated with a given data group DATA1-DATAN.These signals 202-203 are employed by the drivers to accurately placethe data group DATA1-DATAN on a synchronous bus and also to indicatevalidity of the data DATA1-DATAN so that the receiving device cancorrectly receive the data DATA1-DATAN. It is noted that both DCLK 202and DSCLK 203 appear to be twice the frequency of BCLK 201. This ispresented specifically for clarity purposes in order to teach problemsassociate with the prior art as one skilled in the art will appreciatethat such clock signals 202-203 in a present day device are skewed inphase according to their precise purpose and their relative frequenciesrange anywhere from 2 times the frequency of BCLK to 64 times thefrequency of BCLK, but a presentation of the limitations of present daytechniques is much more clearly illuminated when the frequencies are asshown in the diagram 200.

The diagram 200 also shows a scenario 210 where a data input 211 anddata strobe input 212 at a first receiver for bit DATA1 are insynchronization and a scenario 220 where a data input 221 and a strobeinput 222 at an nth receiver for bit DATAN are not in synchronization.The relative phases of the data strobe DSTROBE to all other data bitsDATA2-DATA(N-1) (not shown) within the data group DATA1-DATAN mayexhibit more or less favorable alignments than those shown in thediagram 200.

Accordingly, at time T1, transmission of the data bits DATA1-DATAN isroughly halfway through a period of validity (V) on the synchronous bus,as is indicated by the falling edge of DCLK. It is noted that assertionof the data DATA1-DATAN on the bus can occur during other edges orphases of DCLK. At such a time, DSCLK transitions as well, thus causingassertion of DSTROBE. According to scenario 210, DSTROBE is received atinput 212 of the first receiver essentially halfway through the validityperiod for DATA1, which is received at input 211 of the first receiver.This is an optimum condition for reception of DATA1 and indicates thatthe transmission line effects, particularly propagation times, of DATA1and DSTROBE, as seen by inputs 211 and 212 of the first receiver, areapproximately equivalent. The same optimum reception condition is seenby the inputs 211-212 at time T2.

But such is not the case under scenario 220, where DSTROBE at input 222is actually sensed switching states at times T3 and T4 during times whenDATAN is seen at input 221 as being invalid. That is, for reasonsalluded to earlier, at input 222 DSTROBE is seen to lag DATAN at input221 in phase. This could be due to a long path that DSTROBE must travelfrom an input to the receiving device to reach a receiver for DATAN, orcould be due to inaccuracies in a transmitting device, or could resultfrom other reasons.

Accordingly, the present inventors have observed that once a device hascompleted design and fabrication, there exists no reasonable way tocorrect these types of problems short of adding propagation delay viamotherboard routing to one or more of the data bits DATA1-DATAN or tothe data strobe DSTROBE in order to compensate for problems in eitherthe transmitting or receiving device.

In addition, the present inventors have noted that it is very desirableto provide a mechanism whereby that phase differences between data bitsDATA1-DATAN and strobes DSTROBE over a source synchronous bus can beadjusted or otherwise modified without a requirement to modify thelayout of traces on a motherboard and without a requirement to modifyone or more of the receiving and transmitting devices.

The present invention overcomes the problems noted above with prior artsource synchronous bus mechanisms by providing apparatus and methods forfine tuning the relative phase differences, as seen by individualreceivers in a receiving device, between a data strobe and itscorresponding data bits within a data group. The present invention willnow be discussed with referenced to FIGS. 3-7.

Referring to FIG. 3, a block diagram is presented featuring an apparatus300 for advanced synchronous strobe transmission according to thepresent invention. The apparatus 300 includes an advanced strobetransmission device 310 that is coupled to a bus clock BCLK and thatgenerates a data strobe DSTROBE, substantially similar to DEVICE A 110of FIG. 1 with the exception that the advanced strobe transmissiondevice 310 according to the present invention may be configured via aninput RAT to advance transmission of DSTROBE relative to transmission ofits associated data bits (not shown). Input RAT is coupled to resistorsR1 and R2. Resistor R1 is coupled to a reference voltage VDD, which isalso coupled to the device 310. Resistor R2 is also coupled to a commonground reference.

The device 310 includes a core clocks generator 311 and a synchronousstrobe driver 312. The output of the synchronous strobe driver 312 isDSTROBE. The core clocks generator 311 includes phase locked loop (PLL)forward elements 331, such as a well known in the art, which generatesignal DSCLK. The generator 311 also includes a frequency divider 332,which receives a reference signal REF that is a feedback of DSCLK. Thegenerator 311 further includes a delay-locked loop 333 that is coupledto the divider 332 and that receives signal RAT. The delay-locked loop333 provides a delayed reference signal DREF, which is feed back to thePLL forward elements 331.

In operation, the core clocks generator 311 is configured to generatesignal DSCLK at a frequency multiple of BCLK, where the multiple isdetermined by known means via configuration of the PLL forward elements331 and the divider 332. In addition, the generator 331 is configured toadvance the phase of DSCLK relative to BCLK by an amount specified byRAT. In one embodiment, RAT is configured to prescribe an advance ofDSCLK up to one half cycle of DSCLK. In one embodiment, the ratio of R2to R1 determines a voltage value for RAT, which is detected by thedelay-locked loop 333 as a percentage of VDD, and the delay-locked loop333 is configured to introduce delay proportional to the value of RATinto the output of the divider 332 to produced the delayed referencesignal DREF, thus causing the forward elements 331 to advance DSCLK inphase by the same amount as the delay. In one embodiment, if the ratiois infinitely small (i.e., R2 equals 0 ohms), then no delay isintroduced by the delay-locked loop 333, and the core clocks generator311 functions substantially similar to the core clocks generator 111 ofFIG. 1. If the ratio is infinitely large (i.e., R1 equals 0 ohms), thena delay approximately equal to one half cycle of DSCLK is introduced bythe delay-locked loop 333, thus causing DSCLK to advance byapproximately the same amount. If the ratio is equal to one (i.e., R1 isequal to R2), then a delay approximately equal to one quarter cycle ofDSCLK is introduced by the delay-locked loop 333, thus causing DSCLK toadvance by approximately the same amount. Other mechanisms arecontemplated as well to include greater delays generated by thedelay-locked loop 333, thus causing advance of DSCLK by amounts greaterthat one half cycle. Other embodiments consider non linear prescriptionof the amount of advance.

In an alternative embodiment, core clocks generator 311 may beconfigured such that the delay-locked loop 333 precedes the divider 332in the feedback chain for DSCLK. That is, rather than delaying afeedback signal in frequency approximately equal to that of BCLK andthen delaying that signal by an amount indicated by RAT, this embodimentwould delay DSCLK by the amount indicated by RAT, and then the delayedDSCLK is frequency divided to produce DREF.

The advanced strobe transmission device 310 according to the presentinvention is configured to perform the functions and operations asdiscussed above. The device 310 comprises logic, circuits, devices, ormicrocode (i.e., micro instructions or native instructions), or acombination of logic, circuits, devices, or microcode, or equivalentelements that are employed to execute the functions and operationsaccording to the present invention as noted. The elements employed toaccomplish these operations and functions within the device 310 may beshared with other circuits, microcode, etc., that are employed toperform other functions and/or operations within the device 310.According to the scope of the present application, microcode is a termemployed to refer to a plurality of micro instructions. A microinstruction (also referred to as a native instruction) is an instructionat the level that a unit executes. For example, micro instructions aredirectly executed by a reduced instruction set computer (RISC)microprocessor. For a complex instruction set computer (CISC)microprocessor such as an x86-compatible microprocessor, x86instructions are translated into associated micro instructions, and theassociated micro instructions are directly executed by a unit or unitswithin the CISC microprocessor.

Accordingly, a device 310 according to the present invention is enabledto advance transmission of its data strobe DSTROBE relative totransmission of bits within its associated data group to compensate forphase misalignments of the signals as seen by a receiving device.

Turning now to FIG. 4, a block diagram is presented showing a radialsynchronous strobe distribution mechanism 400 according to the presentinvention, such as might be employed in conjunction with the apparatus300 of FIG. 3. The mechanism 400 includes a receiving device DEVICE B420, similar to the receiving device 120 of FIG. 1, the principaldifference between the two being that the receiving device 420 accordingto the present invention includes a composite delay element 434 thatequalizes all of the delay paths within the receiving device 420 for adata strobe signal DSTROBE that is received from a transmitting device(not shown) like the device 310 of FIG. 3. The receiving device 420 hasa plurality synchronous receivers 422 configured to receive one or moredata bit signals DATA1-DATAN along with DSTROBE. A first one of theplurality of data signals DATA1 enters the device 420 at a first point431 and exhibits a first propagation delay from the first point 431 itsassociated synchronous receiver 422. A last one of the plurality of datasignals DATAN enters the device 420 at a last point 433 and exhibits alast propagation delay from the last point 433 to its associatedsynchronous receiver 422. One or more of the plurality of data signalsDATA1-DATAN exhibits a longest propagation delay relative to remainingones of the plurality of data signals DATA1-DATAN.

The data strobe DSTROBE enters the device 420 at point 432 and is routedto the composite delay element 434. The composite delay element 434includes a plurality of delay elements 434.1-434.N, each associated witha corresponding one of the plurality of synchronous receivers 422. Eachof the plurality of delay elements 434.1-434.N is configured tointroduce a time delay into the propagation path of DSTROBE as it isrouted from the composite delay element 434 to a corresponding receiver422. In one embodiment, the amount of delay for each of the plurality ofdelay elements 434.1-434.N is configured such that all propagation pathsof DSTROBE from point 432 to inputs of each of the plurality ofsynchronous receivers 422 is equal to the longest propagation delaynoted above. In one embodiment, each of the delay elements 434.1-434.Ncomprise one or more pairs of inverters. In an embodiment fabricatedunder a 32 nanometer process, each of the inverter pairs exhibitsapproximately 20 picoseconds of gate delay, thus introducing 20picoseconds of delay into the associated propagation path for DSTROBE.

Accordingly, utilization of the mechanism 400 of FIG. 4 causes all ofthe receivers 422 in the receiving device 420 to experience anapproximately equal lag in phase of the data strobe signal DSTROBErelative to each one of the plurality of data bit signals DATA1-DATAN.Consequently, it is advantageous to employ the advanced strobetransmission device 310 according to the present invention in thisscenario where values of R1 and R2 are chosen such that the transmissionphase of DSTROBE is advanced such that it is precisely halfway betweenthe validity periods of each of the plurality of data signalsDATA1-DATAN as seen by the plurality of synchronous receivers 422. Forexample, if the longest delay is, say, 10 picoseconds in a 32 nanometerprocess part, then each of the delay elements 434.1-434.N would beconfigured to introduce additional delay into their respectivepropagation path of DSTROBE to a corresponding synchronous receiver 422such that the overall propagation delay from point 432 to the receiverinput is 10 picoseconds, and the value of R1 and R2 would be selected tointroduce an advance of 10 picoseconds into transmission of DSTROBErelative to transmission of the data bits DATA1-DATAN.

The device 420 according to the present invention is configured toperform the functions and operations as discussed above. The device 420comprises logic, circuits, devices, or microcode, or a combination oflogic, circuits, devices, or microcode, or equivalent elements that areemployed to execute the functions and operations according to thepresent invention as noted. The elements employed to accomplish theseoperations and functions within the device 420 may be shared with othercircuits, microcode, etc., that are employed to perform other functionsand/or operations within the device 420.

Referring to FIG. 5, a block diagram is presented illustrating anapparatus 500 for delayed synchronous data reception according to thepresent invention. The apparatus 500 includes a delayed data receptiondevice 520, similar to the receiving device 120 of FIG. 1, with theexception that the device 520 is capable of introducing delay into thepropagation path of one or more data bits within a data group in orderto align the validity period of the one or more data bits at asynchronous receiver 522 with a corresponding data strobe signalDSTROBE. This embodiment of the present invention, rather than advancingthe phase of DSTROBE relative to a data bit DATA, delays the phase ofthe data bit DATA relative to that of DSTROBE.

Accordingly, the device 520 is coupled to a ratio signal RAT and to avoltage reference VDD. A first resistor R1 is coupled between VDD andRAT and a second resistor R2 is coupled between RAT and a groundreference. The device 520 includes a delay-locked loop 533 that receivesthe data bit DATA and that generates a delayed data signal DDATA havinga delay proportional to the ratio of R2 to R1. DDATA is input along withDSTROBE to the synchronous receiver 522.

In operation, the delay-locked loop 533 is configured to delay the phaseof DATA relative to DSTROBE by an amount specified by RAT. In oneembodiment, RAT is configured to prescribe a delay of DATA up to onehalf cycle of DSTROBE. In one embodiment, the ratio of R2 to R1determines a voltage value for RAT, which is detected by thedelay-locked loop 533 as a percentage of VDD, and the delay-locked loop533 is configured to introduce delay proportional to the value of RATinto its output signal DDATA, thus enabling the synchronous receiver 522to experience a more favorable condition for reception of DATA. In oneembodiment, if the ratio is infinitely small (i.e., R2 equals 0 ohms),then no delay is introduced by the delay-locked loop 533, and thereceiver 522 experiences the same reception conditions as the receiver122 of FIG. 1. If the ratio is infinitely large (i.e., R1 equals 0ohms), then a delay approximately equal to one half cycle of DSTROBE isintroduced by the delay-locked loop 533, thus causing DATA to be delayedby approximately the same amount. If the ratio is equal to one (i.e., R1is equal to R2), then a delay approximately equal to one quarter cycleof DSTROBE is introduced by the delay-locked loop 533, thus causing DATAto be delayed by approximately the same amount. Other mechanisms arecontemplated as well to include greater delays generated by thedelay-locked loop 533, thus causing delay of DATA by amounts greaterthat one half cycle. Other embodiments consider non linear prescriptionof the amount of delay introduced by the delay-locked loop 533.

Although only one synchronous receiver 522 is shown for clarity sake,the present inventors note that one embodiment of the present inventioncontemplates a plurality of delay-locked loops 533 associated with acorresponding plurality of receivers 522 for associated bits within adata group, where the value or RAT is distributed to each of theplurality of delay-locked loops 533 such that an equal amount of delayis introduced into the propagation path of each of the plurality of bitswithin the data group.

The device 520 of FIG. 5 is well suited for delaying one or more databits DATA within a data group, particularly when the device 520incorporates a radial data strobe distribution mechanism like thatdiscussed with reference to FIG. 4. In that the device 420 of FIG. 4adds delay to the propagation paths associated with the data strobesDSTROBE1-DSTROBEN associated with a data group so that all of thepropagation paths exhibit the phase lag corresponding to the slowestpropagation path, there then may exist a requirement to delay one ormore of the data bits DATA1-DATAN to realign them with the delayedstrobes DSTROBE1-DSTROBEN. Accordingly, incorporating the delayed datareception mechanism of FIG. 5 into the device 420 of FIGRUE 4 willenable optimum alignment of these signals.

The device 520 according to the present invention is configured toperform the functions and operations as discussed above. The device 520comprises logic, circuits, devices, or microcode, or a combination oflogic, circuits, devices, or microcode, or equivalent elements that areemployed to execute the functions and operations according to thepresent invention as noted. The elements employed to accomplish theseoperations and functions within the device 520 may be shared with othercircuits, microcode, etc., that are employed to perform other functionsand/or operations within the device 520.

Now referring to FIG. 6, a block diagram is presented detailing adelay-locked loop (DLL) 600 according to the present invention, such asmight be employed in the apparatus of FIGS. 3 and 5. The DLL 600includes an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 603 that receives a ratiosignal RAT where the value of RAT indicates an amount of delay tointroduce into a propagation path of a signal IN. When used with theadvance strobe transmission device 310 of FIG. 3, signal IN is theoutput of the divider 332 and signal OUT is DREF. When used with thedelayed data reception device 520 of FIG. 5, signal IN is DATA andsignal OUT is DDATA. The A/D converter 603 converts RAT to a digitalsignal that is provided to a delay encoder 601. The delay encoder 601generates states of signals on a delay select bus DSEL[63:0], which isshown having 64 bits for clarity sake, although different numbers ofbits are comprehended by the present invention. DSEL[63:0] are coupledas select inputs to a mux 602. Signal IN is routed through a pluralityof inverter pairs U1A, U1B . . . , U63A, U63B, each having equivalentgate delay. Delay taps D0-D63 are provided as inputs to the mux 602 andthe mux 602 provides signal OUT based upon the value of the delay selectbus DSEL[63:0], where only one of the bits in the delay select busDSEL[63:0] is exclusively asserted in order to direct the mux 602 toselect a designated delay tap D0-D63. For example, if all bits are notasserted, then the mux 602 selects tap D0, thus introducing no delay atall into signal IN. If bit 63 is asserted, then the mux 602 selects tapD63, thus introducing a maximum amount of delay into signal IN. Thesizing (i.e., number of inverter pairs U1A, U1B, . . . , U63A, U63B,delay taps D0-D63, and bus DSEL[63:0]) of the DLL 600 is provided toteach the present invention, but it is noted that different sizings arecontemplated. In addition, the number of inverters between taps D0-D63may be increased in order to generate longer delays commensurate withdesign requirements.

The DLL 600 according to the present invention is configured to performthe functions and operations as discussed above. The DLL 600 compriseslogic, circuits, devices, or microcode, or a combination of logic,circuits, devices, or microcode, or equivalent elements that areemployed to execute the functions and operations according to thepresent invention as noted. The elements employed to accomplish theseoperations and functions within the DLL 600 may be shared with othercircuits, microcode, etc., that are employed to perform other functionsand/or operations within the DLL 600.

Now turning to FIG. 7, a block diagram 700 is presented showing aprogrammable device 701 for optimized synchronous signaling according tothe present invention. The device 701 includes a core clocks generator711 that receives a bus clock signal BCLK. The generator 711 provides adata strobe clock signal DSCLK to a synchronous strobe driver 712. Thesynchronous strobe driver generates one of a plurality of data strobesDSTROBEX that are associated with data bits (not shown) corresponding toa particular address group as has heretofore been discussed.

The device 701 also includes a delay-locked loop (DLLs) 733 thatreceives a data bit DATA, and which provides a delayed data signal DDATAto a synchronous receiver 722. The receiver 722 also receives adifferent data strobe signal DSTROBEY that is associated with the databit DATA.

In addition, the device 701 includes a Joint Test Action Group (JTAG)interface 731 that receives control information over a standard JTAG busJTAG[N:0] and that provides information applicable for the advance ofDSTROBEX and for the delay of DATA to a synchronous bus optimizer 732.The synchronous bus optimizer 732 provides programmable strobe advanceinformation to the core clocks generator 711 via bus ARAT and providesprogrammable data bit delay information to the DLL 733 via bus DRAT.

In operation, well-known JTAG programming techniques are employed toprogram the precise amount of advance for one or more data strobes (onlyone strobe DSTROBEX is shown for clarity) and the precise amount ofdelay for one or more data bits DATA (only one bit DATA is shown forclarity). Such programming is performed when the device 701 is in astate where JTAG programming is allowed, such as a RESET state. Uponexit from the state, buses ARAT and DRAT function substantially similarto the RAT buses discussed with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5 to providecontrol information to the devices 310, 520. In addition, the device 701may also incorporate radial distribution elements 434 like the device420 of FIG. 4.

In one embodiment, bus ARAT is distributed to a plurality of core clocksgenerators 711, each developing a corresponding and unique advanced datastrobe clock, where different amounts of advance are programmed via theJTAG interface 731 corresponding to that required for each of aplurality of data groups. Likewise, bus DRAT is distributed to aplurality of DLLs 733, each developing a corresponding and uniquedelayed data bit signal, where different amounts of delay are programmedover the JTAG interface 731 corresponding to that required for theplurality of data groups.

Consequently, the programmable device 701 of FIG. 7 enables a systemdesigner to compensate for synchronous bus misalignment without arequirement to modify a system board.

The device 701 according to the present invention is configured toperform the functions and operations as discussed above. The device 701comprises logic, circuits, devices, or microcode, or a combination oflogic, circuits, devices, or microcode, or equivalent elements that areemployed to execute the functions and operations according to thepresent invention as noted. The elements employed to accomplish theseoperations and functions within the device 701 may be shared with othercircuits, microcode, etc., that are employed to perform other functionsand/or operations within the device 701.

Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use thedisclosed conception and specific embodiments as a basis for designingor modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of thepresent invention, and that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made herein without departing from the scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

1. An apparatus that compensates for misalignment on a synchronous databus, the apparatus comprising: a resistor network, configured to providea ratio signal that indicates an amount to delay a data bit signalassociated with a data group; and a delay-locked loop (DLL), coupled tosaid ratio signal, configured generate a delayed data bit signal,wherein said DLL adds said amount of delay to said data bit signal togenerate said delayed data bit signal.
 2. The apparatus as recited inclaim 1, wherein said resistor network comprises two resistors, andwherein a ratio of said two resistors indicates said amount.
 3. Theapparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein a first one of said tworesistors is coupled to a ground reference, a second one of said tworesistors is coupled to a voltage reference, and said two resistors arecoupled together at a node developing said ratio signal.
 4. Theapparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said data bit signal is delayedin phase by said amount, and wherein said amount ranges from no phasedelay up to an advance of one half cycle of a data strobe signal.
 5. Theapparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein said delayed data bit signaland said data strobe signal are provided to a synchronous receiver thatis configured to detect a state of said delayed data bit signal.
 6. Theapparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein said DLL and said synchronousreceiver are disposed within a device that is coupled to a motherboard,and wherein said resistor network is coupled to said motherboard, andwherein said ratio signal enters said device through an external pin. 7.The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said ratio signal isdistributed to a plurality of DLLs, each corresponding to an associateddata bit signal within the data group.
 8. An apparatus that compensatesfor misalignment on a synchronous data bus, the apparatus comprising: aresistor network, configured to provide a ratio signal that indicates anamount to delay a data bit signal associated with a data group; and amicroprocessor, comprising: a delay-locked loop (DLL), coupled to saidratio signal, configured generate a delayed data bit signal, whereinsaid DLL adds said amount of delay to said data bit signal to generatesaid delayed data bit signal.
 9. The apparatus as recited in claim 8,wherein said resistor network comprises two resistors, and wherein aratio of said two resistors indicates said amount.
 10. The apparatus asrecited in claim 9, wherein a first one of said two resistors is coupledto a ground reference, a second one of said two resistors is coupled toa voltage reference, and said two resistors are coupled together at anode developing said ratio signal.
 11. The apparatus as recited in claim8, wherein said data bit signal is delayed in phase by said amount, andwherein said amount ranges from no phase delay up to an advance of onehalf cycle of a data strobe signal.
 12. The apparatus as recited inclaim 11, wherein said delayed data bit signal and said data strobesignal are provided to a synchronous receiver that is configured todetect a state of said delayed data bit signal.
 13. The apparatus asrecited in claim 12, wherein microprocessor is coupled to a motherboard,and wherein said resistor network is coupled to said motherboard, andwherein said ratio signal enters said microprocessor through an externalpin.
 14. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said ratio signalis distributed to a plurality of DLLs within said microprocessor, eachcorresponding to an associated data bit signal within the data group.15. A method for compensating for misalignment on a synchronous databus, the method comprising: employing a resistor network to provide aratio signal that indicates an amount to delay a data bit signalassociated with a data group; and coupling a delay-locked loop (DLL) tothe ratio signal, and configuring the DLL generate a delayed data bitsignal, wherein the DLL adds the amount of delay to the data bit signalto generate the delayed data bit signal.
 16. The method as recited inclaim 15, wherein the resistor network comprises two resistors, andwherein a ratio of the two resistors indicates the amount.
 17. Themethod as recited in claim 16, wherein a first one of the two resistorsis coupled to a ground reference, a second one of the two resistors iscoupled to a voltage reference, and the two resistors are coupledtogether at a node developing the ratio signal.
 18. The method asrecited in claim 15, wherein the data bit signal is delayed in phase bythe amount, and wherein the amount ranges from no phase delay up to anadvance of one half cycle of a data strobe signal.
 19. The method asrecited in claim 18, wherein the delayed data bit signal and the datastrobe signal are provided to a synchronous receiver that is configuredto detect a state of the delayed data bit signal.
 20. The method asrecited in claim 19, wherein the DLL and the synchronous receiver aredisposed within a device that is coupled to a motherboard, and whereinthe resistor network is coupled to the motherboard, and wherein theratio signal enters the device through an external pin.
 21. The methodas recited in claim 15, wherein the ratio signal is distributed to aplurality of DLLs, each corresponding to an associated data bit signalwithin the data group.